Mike Chanko has only been at the helm of Fancy’s Fish and Chips since 2018 but has already seen a worldwide pandemic, and now a burst pipe force the closure of his business.
The popular seafood restaurant has been a staple at St. Vincent Street and Bell Farm Road for more than 35 years, but in the past two years has been hit with pandemic closures and now a severe flood that has left the business closed for more than six weeks.
Chanko told BarrieToday a supply line pipe burst June 23 while no one was there for several hours.
“The way we have it set up, the plumbing is above the mezzanine we have. So, the water was shooting up and then coming down through ceilings and then spread out through the entire restaurant,” he said. “It ended up causing way more damage than you’d expect because of where it was and how long it was on for. It happened overnight and we weren’t in until 2 p.m. the next day.”
Chanko said the water spread through 90 per cent of the restaurant, and while he isn’t sure what the damage will end up costing, he said it will “be in the hundred thousands.”
“They haven’t even started rebuilding yet. We’re almost to the point where we stop tearing stuff out, but every time the workers get so far, they find something else,” he said. “I think we’re almost there, but I haven’t got the official report yet.”
All of the flooring in the establishment has been pulled up. The three washrooms have been gutted and are down to the two-by-fours.
As for a reopening date, Chanko doesn’t want to even guess.
“I have no idea. I originally thought maybe two months, but we’re at a month-and-a-half now. It started going fast, but it’s pretty stalled right now, so I just don’t know,” he said.
It might not be so bad if Chanko could use the kitchen for takeout, but all of his equipment is out of the restaurant.
“I had originally hoped I could keep the takeout going for those who may want that, and (workers) told me they could do that for me in about a week when it first happened. That didn’t happen,” he said.
“The kitchen floor is all pulled up, which means everything there is disconnected and it is also in storage. The workers don’t work around things; they pack it up and store it until they’re ready to put it back.”
Takeout saved Fancy’s over the past two years, during the pandemic.
“I have to thank our customers because during COVID, takeout was the only thing that kept us alive. Our dine-in and takeout regulars were coming in and keeping us going,” said Chanko. “I’d love to do takeout now but only if it makes sense. If it gets in the way of the reconstruction and delays more, it just isn’t worth it.”
Updates will be provided on the Fancy’s Facebook page as the work gets closer to being completed.
“We’ll also provide some signage on the outside of the restaurant so people driving by can see what is happening,” said Chanko. “Once we’re open, I’m confident our great customers will help out just like they did the last two years.”
